Will be camping for about 2 weeks in region H. Will be using light for 2 - 3 hours or more in morning getting back in and the same coming out.I think I would like to use AA batteries,those C123 batteries are to exspensive.Charging isn't going to be an option.Anyone have a good reference to the many choices? I think the LED is the way to go,but wow there is alot of choices. Thank you Dick56
Whats the best backcountry head lamp
- Thread starter dick56
- Start date
25contender
Veteran member
- Mar 20, 2013
- 1,638
- 90
Out of all the headlamps I have poured money into the Streamlight 14512 is by far my favorite. It does take the CR123 or AA batteries. I prefer the CR123 batteries and you can get the CR123a batteries on line pretty cheap if you look around.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
I like my CR123 Princeton tec, but I am also very impressed with Zebralight headlamps. They have AA models, but the rechargeables are really eye-opening. Like turn night into day eye-opening.
clacklin009
Active Member
I like the Black Diamond Storm headlamp. It is fully waterproof and has a continuous dim feature allowing you to use the power setting that meets your need. many lamps have a very bright and a very low setting and I like the ability to pick the light output. The max is 160 lumens and I have done what your describing for your pack in/out for many years and I bought the storm because I needed a great light.
I would also direct you to check out the Petzl Tactikka RGB headlamp. This lamp is 110 lumnes with a power boost option that will allow temporary 140 lumen output and will run at a consistent battery power output. If you are a believer is the red green blue lights for various hunting purposed this give you those options. I do not have experience but have been told the blue light can help track blood in the dark.
I would also direct you to check out the Petzl Tactikka RGB headlamp. This lamp is 110 lumnes with a power boost option that will allow temporary 140 lumen output and will run at a consistent battery power output. If you are a believer is the red green blue lights for various hunting purposed this give you those options. I do not have experience but have been told the blue light can help track blood in the dark.
dhershberger
Active Member
mnhunter
Active Member
I have had great luck with my Black Diamonds. I use them for work, hunting, I always have one in the center console of my truck.
A buddy of mine brought a LED Lenser with bear hunting this spring and that thing was amazing! it was by far the brightest headlamp I have ever seen, and was still pretty compact.
A buddy of mine brought a LED Lenser with bear hunting this spring and that thing was amazing! it was by far the brightest headlamp I have ever seen, and was still pretty compact.
Team Kabob
Very Active Member
- May 9, 2014
- 793
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I like my petzl head lamp. I will see if I can locate it soon as I'm done moving to give you a model. Mine has the white and red LEDs on it. When I'm hiking or out a lot I'm running the red led as it is a good way to save battery life and you can still see the trail. If things get hairy I just pop on the white light. Hope this helps
Screaming Bulls
New Member
I have been hearing alot of great things about the black diamond storm thinking about getting 1 myself
Mule3006Elk
Active Member
- Jul 3, 2013
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squirrelduster
Active Member
Petzl Nao is what I have for a backcountry trip next month. Pretty cool system that adapts to reflected light to save battery life. It is rechargeable or will accept batteries. I purchased a small solar panel to charge my headlamp, GPS, and camera should it need it. Beats packing a weeks worth of batteries around and then packing them out after they die. The set up isn't cheap but once you have it there is no need to ever pack batteries.
Musket Man
Veteran member
I would say the 1 NOT to get is the cheap one from Cabelas that I got and spent the night on a mountain in Idaho because it went out.
RockChucker30
Active Member
I've used Princeton tec and Petzl, but my current favorite is zebralight.
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Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
I've been running a Petzl Tikka XP for several years, in fact I can't even recall when I bought it. Dependable and always works well. Uses two AAA batteries, I typically use a couple lithium batteries. I am sure there are better models now, but it has woke well for me for the very thing you need yours for.
tdub24
Veteran member
Fink
Veteran member
I used to use a smaller Petzl head light, but have recently switched to the Streamlight Protac. My hunting partner bought it for me after I made him lead the way 5 miles back to the truck, because his Streamlight was throwing funny shadows everywhere in front of me, it was so much brighter than my light.
shootbrownelk
Veteran member
Dakota Drifter
Member
Primos Top Gun: 6 hours @ 150 Lumens and 12 hours @ 85 Lumens. Runs on 2 AA batteries, the same as my GPS. I like it so much I own three of them
Umpqua Hunter
Veteran member
So this thread has got me looking for a headlamp for my wife.
BB…the Zebralight single battery AA models looks really great. The reviews I have been reading all are very positive. They are bright, lightweight, rugged aluminum case, waterproof, and good battery life. Do you know much about these? For us, the main use would be hiking out at night. For now, I'd like to stay with the single AA battery rather than the 18650 battery, since I am using AA's in everything else. So far the Zebralight H52W looks the best, because it has a spot beam and higher lumen output than some of the other models.
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